Many winter- and spring-flowering houseplants, such as schulmbergeras, zygocactus, and solanums grown for their winter berries, and even orchids, can spend the summer outdoors as they look uninteresting at this stage. Make sure these are brought in before the first frost threatens.

Clear away the mulching material if the pots have been plunged into the ground and mulched to reduce the need for regular watering.

If the pots do not come up easily, insert a garden fork a little distance away and lever them gently to avoid damaging the pots.

Remove leaves and debris from the surface of the potting soil, which will almost certainly have become contaminated. Wipe the pot clean with a damp cloth, and be especially careful to clean the bottom of the pot so that it does not make a mess indoors.

Always check for pests and diseases before taking the plant indoors or into the greenhouse. Look on the backs of the leaves too, which is where snails will often be found. Even a small snail can do a lot of damage if left undetected. If the plant has thick or glossy leaves, wipe them over with a proprietary leaf shine to improve their appearance. Plant left outdoors almost always become splashed with mud and dirt.

Greenhouse shading:
Plants now need all the light they can get, so remove greenhouse shading as soon as possible, if you haven't done so already. If you applied a shading wash earlier in the year, clean it off now. Most can be rubbed off with a duster when the glass is dry. Internal or external shading material such as blinds or nets can also be removed now. You may be able to use the same internal fixings to secure winter insulation.

By Tamara Galbraith

Anyone who's studied landscaping knows the value of silver-leafed plants. Mostly, they serve to brighten a dark area, but can also provide a lovely contrast to purple foliage plants.

One of the most beautiful and carefree silver plants has got to be artemisia, commonly known by its ghastly herbal name of wormwood. Although Artemisia absinthium -- the main ingredient in Absinthe -- has the naughty reputation of driving Vincent Van Gogh to madness, the other varieties are really something every gardener should have, especially those struggling with drought conditions.

Artemisia ludoviciana, for example, includes the 'Valerie Finnis' cultivar, with beautiful upright, silver-green, tarragon-like foliage. Artemisia schmidtiana is the gorgeous, soft 'Silver Mound' type. Artemisia stelleriana 'Silver Brocade' is pretty much just like the more commonly known Dusty Miller, but fuzzier.

Given too-perfect conditions, like lean soil and lots of sun, artemisia can take over an area quickly, however. 'Powis Castle' and the aforementioned 'Valerie Finnis' can be especially aggressive, so trim regularly. Planting in heavy clay soils also seems to keep them in check. Most artemisias are hardy to USDA Zone 5; some remain evergreen in mild climates.

While artemisia may not turn you into a classic painter, it will certainly bring silvery, hardy beauty to your landscape. Give it a try.